Method and apparatus for producing an inert gas

Abstract

A method and apparatus for producing an inert gas is described. Firstly, capture the exhaust from a gas fired internal combustion engine located on the site of an intended application. Secondly, pass the exhaust stream through at least one catalytic converter. Thirdly, cool the exhaust stream passing from the catalytic converter to a temperature that will not harm a gas compressor. Fourthly, pass the exhaust stream into the gas compressor and apply the compressed exhaust stream exiting the compressor directly to the intended application.

I claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for producing an inert gas, comprising: a. a gas fired internal combustion engine having an exhaust outlet, a fuel control valve, and an ignition advance/retard control;   b. a catalytic converter assembly consisting of at least one catalytic converter, the catalytic converter assembly having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected by a first conduit to the exhaust outlet of the gas fired internal combustion engine;   c. a cooler and moisture scrubber having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected by a second conduit to the outlet of the catalytic converter assembly;   d. a gas compressor having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected by a third conduit to the outlet of the cooler and moisture scrubber, and the outlet being connected by a fourth conduit to an intended application;   e. sensing means in at least one of the first conduit, the second conduit, the third conduit and the fourth conduit, the sensing means including at least one oxygen sensor and at least one moisture sensor; and   f. a microprocessor connected to the sensing means, the fuel control valve, and the ignition advance/retard control, the microprocessor receiving data from the oxygen sensor regarding oxygen content and adjusting the fuel control valve and the ignition advance/retard control to maintain an exhaust stream passing out the outlet of the compressor which is inert.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus for producing an inert gas as defined in claim 1, wherein the sensing means includes a temperature sensor. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus for producing an inert gas, comprising: a. a gas fired internal combustion engine having an exhaust outlet, a fuel control valve, and an ignition advance/retard control;   b. a catalytic converter assembly consisting of a plurality of catalytic converters, the catalytic converter assembly having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected by a first conduit to the exhaust outlet of the gas fired internal combustion engine;   c. a cooler and moisture scrubber having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected by a second conduit to the outlet of the catalytic converter assembly;   d. a gas compressor having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected by a third conduit to the outlet of the cooler and moisture scrubber, and the outlet being connected by a fourth conduit to an intended application;   e. an oxygen sensor in the first conduit;   f. a moisture sensor in the third conduit; and   g. a microprocessor connected to the oxygen sensor, the moisture sensor, the fuel control valve, and the ignition advance/retard control, the microprocessor receiving data from the sensors and adjusting the fuel control valve and the ignition advance/retard control to maintain an exhaust stream passing out the outlet of the compressor which is dry and inert.